Merry & Bright

image via The Allure of Small Things

I still can't get over the fact that Christmas is less than two weeks away. Of course, I have still yet to purchase any of my Christmas presents, nor have sent out any Christmas cards. I always think that I will have ample time to get things done, but in reality (I should really have learnt this by now), Christmas always comes way faster than expected. Note to self: start early. 

Besides the hustle and bustle and lack of sleep, Christmas time is always a favorite time of the year for me. Even though I'm 26 years old and live on my own, I still treasure this time of year to spend with family and follow our holiday traditions. Here are a few things that I will be doing over the holiday season, and what I look forward to each Christmas:

1. Spending time with family & friends

2. Mom's holiday baking 

3. Opening presents in our PJ's

4. Mom's homemade cinnamon buns on Chirstmas morning

5. Picking out our real Christmas tree

6. Christmas lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

7. Drinks at The Wedgewood Hotel

8. Gingerbread houses at The Hyatt

9. Crantinis! 

10. Finding that perfect gift 

Merry Christmas!

XO

Lake Time

I wait all year for this moment...a couple of days before I head to the lake with my family. Shawnigan Lake has been my summer home since I was born. My mom's dad bought the cabin when she was just 12 years old. It has stayed in the family ever since and I cannot thank my grandparents enough for making the best business decision ever. 

Over the next 10 days, I plan to go for long runs followed by a refreshing swim in the lake, coffee and a pastry at Oma's bakery, some waterskiing, and curling up in front of the fire with a good book. Let's just hope these next few days don't fly by...

images via Pinterest 

XO

Luxe Living

This post definitely matches the title of my blog. I have been actively searching for a place to live for the past two months and have been unsuccessful. Prices in Vancouver are astronomical, and finding a place that is in a good location, is clean, has a good landlord, etc is very difficult to come across. 

For the past three weeks, I thought I had found the place of my dreams. It was a laneway house located 1.5 blocks from where I currently live. It was brand spanking new and so so so beautiful. I even managed to get the owners to come down in price, but I waited too long to decide, and someone else snatched it up. I was heartbroken. I had started picturing myself living there, thinking about what pieces of furniture I may purchase...until POOF it was gone before my eyes. 

I agree, I have very champagne taste. I have always liked nice things. Especially when it comes to finding a place to live, I feel as though I can't really lower my expectations. Living in a hole and paying $1500 per month in rent just aint going to cut it. So, I am continuing this painful search and just hope *fingers crossed* that something beautiful pops up - or maybe the person who took the laneway might just back out ;) 

Here's a little inspiration of what I envision my place looking like: 

Eames chairs // Simple area rugs // Greys & whites // Cashmere throws // Black & white photos

Functional coffee tables // Tall windows // Industrial & Modern pieces

images via Pinterest 

XO

California Dreamin'

We've been pretty lucky this past month with the weather we've been getting. Compared to the rest of the country, we have certainly lucked out. That being said, it has been easy to start dreaming about summer and what trends to follow when it comes to fashion. I have always been a firm believer in casual & comfy clothes when summer rolls around. I am all about them denim cut offs and loose, boho tops. So naturally, I have been planning some summer trips while work and school are filling up my time and allowing me to day dream about sunny skies and palm trees.  

Here are a few looks I am coveting for S/S 2015:

 // Creamy white blouses with just enough shearness to them //

// Loose comfy tees & white Birks //

Here is a blouse I have on my wish list as well as these denim cutoffs.

images via Pinterest 

XO

Spring '15 Wishlist

With the weather slowly creeping up the thermometer, it's hard not to dream about the coming months. Don't get me wrong, winter is one of my favorite seasons. I love transitioning from fall to bundling up for the winter season. Celebrating Christmas with family and friends and jetting off somewhere warm if you are so lucky are all things I love about the winter months. BUT who doesn't get tired of the long, dark days and cold air that makes your skin crack? Let's just say I'm ready for a change. Below, I have listed a handful of items I am coveting for this coming spring season. 

Community Eros Tee // Asos Plimsolls

Camellia Lace Bralette // Buckingham Burberry Trench

Romper Room Essie Polish // First Aid Beauty: Ultra Repair Cream

XO

Cozyknits

With Christmas only less than 3 weeks away, the need to bundle up and find that perfect party dress is an essential. Vancouver however, seems to be a little late to the game. With temps reaching +14 here today, the Christmas season doesn't feel like it's even approaching. Therefore, finding the right (and appropriate) garments are needed during these weird weather days. Here are a few winter looks I came across and instantly fell in love with...

Treating knits as tees // Beautiful neutral sweaters with cropped denim 

Need to find myself some fur // Preppy school girl look 

\\ Gorgeous pastel colors layered to perfection //

images via Patterson Maker

XO

Bun Inspo

Since chopping off my hair fairly short, I haven't been able to pull up my hair and simply tie it in a casual bun. Part of me regrets cutting my locks so short for this very reason. I always have to style it each morning to get that perfect, lob look. As much as I love the lob, I still dream of having long hair to do different things to it. I guess it's true...we always want what we can't have.

Here are a few photos of some my fave bun looks:

Perfect for being on the go. Simply knot it at the back and it's easily work appropriate.

Super cute and stylish. Keeps stray hairs away from the face in a sophisticted way.

Reminds me of my highschool days. Youthful yet an element of rugged chic.

images via Could I Have That? 

XO